Lavender | Wakatoshi Ushijima

03 | Unsubmitted Work

It's finally the end of the school day, but it isn't the end of the week. It's a Tuesday afternoon, I got lucky by missing literature this morning.

Me and Kiyo are thinking of going to our favorite café that opened recently. We're leaving the building when I feel my cellphone vibrating in my bag. I unzip the side zipper and open the pocket, slipping my phone out.

I look at the notification expecting a new homework to be assigned but it's Mother? She doesn't usually send messages, I wonder what's up?

I open it to see that she sent,

Hana, I won't be home early tonight. I assume you already have the house key, there's leftovers in the fridge.

Kiyo notices my disappointed expression, she figures out what's up.

"Not coming home tonight either?"

"No, but I understand, work, trips, all that stuff. It's normal anyways. You have to go to the gym now right? Since Mother won't be home, I'll come?"

"Oh come on! When do I say no, Hana? It's always better when you join me." She smiles.

There's a soft breeze. The wind plays with her hair, allowing it to flow beautifully. It glides across her soft red cheeks, cooling them down. We laugh for a bit then, she pulls me into a comforting hug.

"How about you sleep over at my house tonight? I don't want you to be alone."

"My one condition is you make me cookies."

As we head there, I remember I need to submit my literature work since I missed class this morning. I pause and sigh, how did I forget?

"You go ahead, I forgot to submit my work to Mrs. Ito."

"Alright! Don't take too long!"

I nod and go back, retracing my footsteps. Pacing, I'm internally praying Mrs. Ito hadn't gone home yet, that woman goes home at the speed of light. I quickly run up the stairs and take a left. The door is open, thank god.

I have to catch my breath in a split second. I make sure my shirt is tucked, my v-neck is clean, my skirt is tidy. I unzip my bag, grabbing my literature file. I'm opening it as I walk into the classroom.

"Mrs. Ito, I've come to sub-"

"I'm going to assign you a tutor."

"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Ito! I'll wait outside." I speak, my voice softer than usual. I put my hands out and apologize.

"It's no problem Miss Takahashi. Actually, I'm going to need your help. Mind doing me a favor dear?"

"Of course Mrs. Ito, anything!"

"Would you mind tutoring Ushijima?" She points to him.

I meet soft olive eyes that graze my skin. He studies me. I feel warm, too warm. 

He's tall, with a strong build that's intimidating. Messy hair and a stoic look that matches his handsome face. The captain of the volleyball team, Wakatoshi Ushijima. I see him during practice, a star. There's something about him that's intriguing. I look away.

"If you can help his analytical skills, that will be fantastic. I'm willing to give you extra credit. I'm sure you wouldn't mind considering you are a top student in literature."

"Of course Mrs. Ito! It would be my pleasure to help." I insist, grinning.

He hasn't looked away. A thin smile is plastered on his face.

"Thank you, Miss Takahashi. I truly appreciate your efforts! Oh yes, did you need anything?"

"I came to submit my work! I've completed next week's chapter, I've put it with this week's work."